Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate
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I may have just discovered the greatest hot beverage of all time: Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate. Made with real pumpkin, white chocolate, milk, and all your favorite fall spices, this pumpkin-inspired hot chocolate is a hands-down winner!
Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate:
Most folks know that cool weather and the holiday season are all about hot cocoa (get my hot cocoa mix recipe here) and peppermint hot chocolate, but what about fall? I have a solution! Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate!
I recently confessed on Instagram stories that I’m not a huge fan of the famous Pumpkin Spice Latte. I get one every fall and year after year, realize I don’t like it that much. To me, it’s missing that authentic pumpkin and spice flavor I crave. But I think I’ve discovered something to dispell my disappointment: this Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate! It’s everything I want in a PSL…well, minus the coffee. (However, you could easily add a shot of espresso to create a fabulous latte.)
How to Make Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate:
One thing I especially adore about this recipe is that it contains real pumpkin. If you look at the ingredient list on a lot of store-bought “pumpkin” treats, many don’t have a bit of pumpkin in them. Instead, orange food coloring and fall spices are used to give the illusion of pumpkin. In all fairness, I do realize that it’s the spices in pumpkin recipes that provide the seasonal flavor we know, love, and want.
To make this Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate, start by adding milk and white chocolate to a pan on the stove. I used Ghirardelli White Melting Wafers, but feel free to substitute the brand and type of white chocolate you prefer.
Once the mixture is hot (but not boiling) and the chocolate is melted, whisk in the pumpkin, sugar, and all those wonderful spices.
And that’s pretty much it! Your Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate is ready to be served. I decided to heat and serve mine in one of my Staub Pumpkin Cocottes. (I look for any excuse to use them this time of year.) I am in love with this white one, which is usually on display in my kitchen in the fall.
For garnish, I like a dollop of freshly whipped cream. I also sprinkle cinnamon on top and tuck in a cinnamon stick. (I’m especially fond of these longer ones for cocktail garnishes.)
I am not kidding. It is so-o-o delicious!
As I mention in the recipe below (and above), you can create a couple of variations for this drink. One option: Add a shot of espresso to make it a Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate Latte. Another possibility: Add a splash of whipped (or vanilla) vodka and a little Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur to make it a seasonal cocktail.
Right now I’m loving this hot chocolate as is. It’s a delightful treat for autumn entertaining. And if the kids in your life like pumpkin sweets, it makes a tasty drink for them as well!
Looking for more hot seasonal beverages? Try these:
Be sure to give this Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate recipe a try this fall and let me know what you think! (I’m guessing you’re going to enjoy it as much as I do.) Also, if you make any of the flavor variations or come up with your own additions, we’d love to hear about those! You can post the details in the comments below.
Enjoy!
Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate Recipe:
Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 5 cups milk
- 12 ounces white chocolate baking chips (I used Ghirardelli White Melting Wafers.)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Whipped Cream
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- In a 4-quart Dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, white chocolate, and heavy whipping cream until hot and creamy. Adjust the heat to a very low simmer. Do not boil.
- Whisk in the pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Heat to a comfortable drinking temperature.
- In the meantime, beat the whipping cream until it begins to thicken. Add in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla. Beat until soft peaks form.
- Serve the Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate in heatproof mugs. Top with whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Notes
Make a Pumpkin Spice White Chocolate Latte by adding a shot or two of espresso to your mug.
Spike your Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate with whipped (or vanilla) vodka) and a splash of Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur.
Nutrition
I love how much you get into decorating and have special recipes for each season/holiday! Even your cooking pots look like pumpkins!
Just made this to surprise my 12 year old on her first morning back to school. It is absolutely delicious and we all loved it! Thanks so much!
YAY! What a wonderful surprise! Love that.
xo Michael
I needed a recipe containing pumpkin for an “All Pumpkin Party”! I wanted to try something different. This was a hit!! So yummy! I did cut back the ginger and cloves to about 1/8 tsp each (personal preference). I used 2% milk and 10 oz bag of the Ghiradelli White Melting Wafers. (That was the size of bag I found)
The teenage girls loved it as well as the adults! Thank you!
This sounds amazing! Do you think you could keep this warm in a crock-pot?
White Chocolate Pumpkin Hot Chocolate – OH MY GOODNESS! I made a double batch and took it into my office today. Everyone went crazy over it. It’s seriously heaven in a cup:)
Question: I was thinking this would be a fun “adult” hot beverage. What liquor would you recommend adding in?
I’m honestly not sure. Maybe a pumpkin-baileys or pumpkin-kahlua. I think they make a season version? Or even Godiva White Chocolate. I would say a vanilla vodka, but I’m personally not a fan of warm vodka. Maybe vanilla rum?
So happy to hear it was well received at the office!
xo Michael
Hi Michael, could you add a liquor to this? If yes, what do you recommend?
Oh yay! Every Friday after Thanksgiving our (extended) family goes tree shopping together, and we gather for hot chocolate at our car afterwards (the wee ones climb into the hatchback). This will be what I serve this year! Can’t wait! Thank you!
I made this beverage today for some friends and it was out of this world! Hands down, it’s one of the best fall drinks you could ever ask for! Creamy and luscious, just delicious!
Oh this makes me so happy! Thank you, Penny!
xo Michael
Do you use the cinnamon sticks over and over by rinsing and saving after enjoying the drink or do you discard them?
Wow! Out here in Montana where we have had the unusual October with 2 snowstorms already, this sounds absolutely fabulous! Since I am also not a lover of the traditional PSL, I am anxious to try this!
Oh, my! I. Must. Make. This.